Photos of the Year 2011

JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

Updated 1:46 pm, Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO

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Seattle activist Dorli Rainey, 84, reacts after being hit with pepper spray during an Occupy Seattle protest on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at Westlake Park. The Occupy movement resulted from simmering anger at financial institutions and frustration with a growing economic gap in the U.S. On the night Rainey was sprayed, protesters gathered in the intersection of 5th Avenue and Pine Street and many refused to move from the intersection after being ordered by police. Police then began spraying pepper spray into the gathered crowd hitting dozens of people. Rainey was rushed from the scene and had a milky substance splashed on her face after the spray hit her.

Seattle activist Dorli Rainey, 84, reacts after being hit with pepper spray during an Occupy Seattle protest on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at Westlake Park. The Occupy movement resulted from simmering anger at

U.S. Army Spc. Scott Cox gets a kiss from his wife Kamara Cox as daughters Aly, 2, and Emma, 3, (hidden), greet their dad during a homecoming ceremony for the 62nd Medical Brigade and the 17th Fires Brigade at Joint Base Lewis McChord on Tuesday, December 6, 2011. The return of 170 Army troops from Iraq was the last large homecoming of troops as the war in Iraq ends and operations are drawn down.

U.S. Army Spc. Scott Cox gets a kiss from his wife Kamara Cox as daughters Aly, 2, and Emma, 3, (hidden), greet their dad during a homecoming ceremony for the 62nd Medical Brigade and the 17th Fires Brigade at

Seattle native Amanda Knox speaks during her return to the United States after her Italian murder conviction was overturned. Knox returned to Seattle on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 to a throng of cameras and well-wishers. Her trial and subsequent appeal captivated audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.

Seattle native Amanda Knox speaks during her return to the United States after her Italian murder conviction was overturned. Knox returned to Seattle on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 to a throng of cameras and

People gather around a General Electric GEnx engine on Boeing's new 747-8 Intercontinental on Sunday, February 13, 2011 during the unveiling ceremony for the new airplane at the Boeing plant. The airplane is the largest passenger plane built by Boeing. It will be assembled at the Boeing plant in Everett.

People gather around a General Electric GEnx engine on Boeing's new 747-8 Intercontinental on Sunday, February 13, 2011 during the unveiling ceremony for the new airplane at the Boeing plant. The airplane is

A woman sleeps in a hammock at Seattle's Green Lake Park during the summer solstice on Tuesday, June 21, 2011. Temperatures hovered in the 70s in the Emerald City on the first day of summer.

A woman sleeps in a hammock at Seattle's Green Lake Park during the summer solstice on Tuesday, June 21, 2011. Temperatures hovered in the 70s in the Emerald City on the first day of summer.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO

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Seattle Sounders fans rally outside Qwest Field before the first regular season MLS matchup between the Sounders and the expansion Portland Timbers on Saturday, May 14, 2011.

Seattle Sounders fans rally outside Qwest Field before the first regular season MLS matchup between the Sounders and the expansion Portland Timbers on Saturday, May 14, 2011.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO

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Seattle icon J.P. Patches walks off the stage for one of the final times on Saturday, August 27, 2011 at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe. The appearance by the beloved clown was one of his final performances. The man behind the makeup, Chris Wedes announced his retirement in 2011.

Nisse Fonseca meets his three week-old son Cuper for the first time as he is greeted by family after disembarking the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln during the aircraft carrier's return to its home port on Thursday, March 24, 2011 at Naval Station Everett. The aircraft carrier was on a six-month deployment in the Western Pacific and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility. The carrier later left Everett for its new home base on the East Coast.

Nisse Fonseca meets his three week-old son Cuper for the first time as he is greeted by family after disembarking the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln during the aircraft carrier's return to its home port on Thursday,

"Get off me!" Seattle Seahawk Marshawn Lynch stiff arms New Orleans player Tracy Porter during an epic 67 yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter against the defending Super Bowl champs. The run by Lynch, which prompted cheering and stomping fans to register on a nearby seismometer, has been called one of the best runs in recent NFL history. The Hawks defeated the Saints 41 to 36 to advance in the playoffs.

"Get off me!" Seattle Seahawk Marshawn Lynch stiff arms New Orleans player Tracy Porter during an epic 67 yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter against the defending Super Bowl champs. The run by Lynch,

Seattle Seahawk Marshawn Lynch goes upside down into the end zone for a fourth-quarter touchdown against the defending Super Bowl champ New Orleans Saints during an NFL playoff wildcard game in Seattle. The run by Lynch, which prompted cheering and stomping fans to register on a nearby seismometer, has been called one of the best runs in recent NFL history. The Hawks defeated the Saints 41 to 36 to advance in the playoffs.

Seattle Seahawk Marshawn Lynch goes upside down into the end zone for a fourth-quarter touchdown against the defending Super Bowl champ New Orleans Saints during an NFL playoff wildcard game in Seattle. The run

A participant smokes marijuana during Seattle's Hempfest 2011, a pro-cannabis gathering of hundreds of thousands of people at Myrtle Edwards Park on Friday, August 19, 2011. The pro-pot festival is billed as the largest in the country and featured the Seattle mayor and U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, both speaking in favor of ending the prohibition of marijuana. Smoking pot is still illegal in Seattle but city leaders have made possession of pot one of the lowest priority crimes.

A participant smokes marijuana during Seattle's Hempfest 2011, a pro-cannabis gathering of hundreds of thousands of people at Myrtle Edwards Park on Friday, August 19, 2011. The pro-pot festival is billed as

A 'super moon' rises over the Cascade Mountains on Saturday, March 19, 2011 in Seattle. The super moon happens when a full moon coincides with the perigee in the Moon's elliptical orbit. The Moon is closer to the Earth and appears bigger than normal.

A 'super moon' rises over the Cascade Mountains on Saturday, March 19, 2011 in Seattle. The super moon happens when a full moon coincides with the perigee in the Moon's elliptical orbit. The Moon is closer to

Gary Leon Ridgway, also known as the Green River Killer, looks at a photographer during a hearing in the courtroom of Judge Mary E. Roberts. Ridgway pleaded guilty for the killing of Rebecca 'Becky' Marrero during the hearing on Friday, February 18, 2011.

Gary Leon Ridgway, also known as the Green River Killer, looks at a photographer during a hearing in the courtroom of Judge Mary E. Roberts. Ridgway pleaded guilty for the killing of Rebecca 'Becky' Marrero

Seattle Superhero Phoenix Jones is shown during one of his patrols on Friday, February 18, 2011in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. The self-proclaimed superhero, who wears body armor, carries pepper spray and an electrified baton, captivated people in the city. He was later arrested for pepper spraying people while attempting to intervene in what he said appeared to be a fight. Charges were never filed against the superhero for the incident.

Seattle Superhero Phoenix Jones is shown during one of his patrols on Friday, February 18, 2011in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. The self-proclaimed superhero, who wears body armor, carries pepper spray and an

Members of the Rat City Rollergirls flat-track roller derby league skate on the upper deck of the closed Alaskan Way Viaduct on Saturday, October 22, 2011 in downtown Seattle. They were co-winners of a contest where organizations made pitches about what they would do on the deck of the closed highway for half an hour. The highway usually carries 110,000 cars per day and was closed for 9 days as demolition of the southern half of the aging structure began. The highway, built in the 1950s, will be replaced with a new deep bore tunnel along the Seattle waterfront.

Members of the Rat City Rollergirls flat-track roller derby league skate on the upper deck of the closed Alaskan Way Viaduct on Saturday, October 22, 2011 in downtown Seattle. They were co-winners of a contest

Youngsters give their dad a lift along Alki Beach in Seattle on Saturday, September 10, 2011 during a warm day.

Youngsters give their dad a lift along Alki Beach in Seattle on Saturday, September 10, 2011 during a warm day.

Photo: JOE DYER

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Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna takes a phone call after he announced that he plans to run for governor of Washington State during a rally at Sammamish High School —his alma mater— on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 in Bellevue.

Chris Ballew, lead singer of Presidents of the United States of America is carried by the crowd as he performs "On a Plain" during a Nirvana tribute show and fund raiser on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at the Experience Music Project in Seattle. The show celebrated the 20th anniversary of Nirvana's album Nevermind and was a fund raiser for Susie Tennant, a Seattle music industry maven diagnosed with cancer.

Chris Ballew, lead singer of Presidents of the United States of America is carried by the crowd as he performs "On a Plain" during a Nirvana tribute show and fund raiser on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at the

The Missile Defense Agency's Sea-Based X-band Radar (SBX) vessel crosses Elliott Bay and passes in front of Seattle's Space Needle as seen from Alki Beach Tuesday night, May 10, 2011. The SBX is 240 feet wide and 390 feet long and towers more than 280 feet from its keel to the top of the radar dome and displaces nearly 50,000 tons. The main deck is larger than a football field. The towering behemoth became a landmark in Elliott Bay while parked for months at Vigor Shipyard as part of an upgrade and maintenance project.

The southern half of the Alaskan Way Viaduct comes down, making way for a future waterfront tunnel. The closure of the highway tested Seattle drivers and roads as nearly 110,000 cars per day were rerouted around the closure.

The southern half of the Alaskan Way Viaduct comes down, making way for a future waterfront tunnel. The closure of the highway tested Seattle drivers and roads as nearly 110,000 cars per day were rerouted

Mariachi Ayutla performs on the old South Park bridge during a celebration kicking off construction of a replacement bridge on Thursday, May 5, 2011 in Seattle's South Park neighborhood. Funding for a replacement was finally approved and construction of the replacement bridge began in 2011.

In a scene right out of Les Misérables, Occupy Seattle protesters stand atop a barricade on Monday, December 12, 2011 at the Port of Seattle. Hundreds of the anti-Wall Street protesters gathered at the port and tried to shut down operations. Protesters scuffled with police during the rally and police used pepper spray and two flash-bang grenades to disperse the crowd after a protester threw a lit road flare toward officers. Another threw red paint on officers. The protest was later described by Seattle police as one of the most dangerous since the WTO protests of more than a decade ago.

In a scene right out of Les Misérables, Occupy Seattle protesters stand atop a barricade on Monday, December 12, 2011 at the Port of Seattle. Hundreds of the anti-Wall Street protesters gathered at the port

Fireworks explode on Monday, July 4, 2011 at Gas Works Park during the Family 4th on Lake Union in Seattle.

Fireworks explode on Monday, July 4, 2011 at Gas Works Park during the Family 4th on Lake Union in Seattle.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO

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Christian Morecraft, top, pounds his forearm into the face of heavyweight opponent Sean McCorkle during UFC Fight Night Live on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at KeyArena in Seattle.

Christian Morecraft, top, pounds his forearm into the face of heavyweight opponent Sean McCorkle during UFC Fight Night Live on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at KeyArena in Seattle.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO

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All Nippon Airways pilot Yoshio Taneda does a walk-around during the reveal of the first Boeing 787 destined for use by launch customer All Nippon Airways. The 787 livery and interior were unveiled at the Boeing plant in Everett, Wash. on Saturday, August 6, 2011. The 787 is Boeing's new composite wide-body airliner.

All Nippon Airways pilot Yoshio Taneda does a walk-around during the reveal of the first Boeing 787 destined for use by launch customer All Nippon Airways. The 787 livery and interior were unveiled at the

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dannielle Ritacco stands among headstones during the 62nd Annual Veterans Day Memorial Celebration at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Evergreen-Washelli in Seattle on Friday, November 11, 2011.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dannielle Ritacco stands among headstones during the 62nd Annual Veterans Day Memorial Celebration at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Evergreen-Washelli in Seattle on Friday,

K'eet Dundas, 11, fixes the fence surrounding his family campsite as his mother Martina Dundas looks on, at the 'Nickelsville' tent community in West Seattle on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011. "It separates our property from theirs," he said of the fence that divides the tents from the dirt lot used store empty dumpsters. K'eet is part of a growing community of homeless children in Seattle. And with fewer spaces in area shelters more children ended up living in tent city.

K'eet Dundas, 11, fixes the fence surrounding his family campsite as his mother Martina Dundas looks on, at the 'Nickelsville' tent community in West Seattle on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011. "It separates our

K'eet Dundas, 11, sorts through some newly donated clothing at the 'Nickelsville' tent community in West Seattle on Sunday Nov. 6, 2011. The clothing came from a girl who passed away.

K'eet Dundas, 11, sorts through some newly donated clothing at the 'Nickelsville' tent community in West Seattle on Sunday Nov. 6, 2011. The clothing came from a girl who passed away.

Photo: JOE DYER

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Martina Dundas, at right, relaxes as her neighbors boil some tea over an open fire at the 'Nickelsville' tent community in West Seattle on Sunday Nov. 6, 2011. Nickelsville doesn't have any running water or electricity, making it extremely difficult to do dishes, as the smoke blackens the cookware.

Martina Dundas, at right, relaxes as her neighbors boil some tea over an open fire at the 'Nickelsville' tent community in West Seattle on Sunday Nov. 6, 2011. Nickelsville doesn't have any running water or

John Klatt in the Air National Guard Extra 300L, bottom right, and Bill Kerns in the Air Guard Staudacher, top right, fly over a ship in Seattle's Elliott Bay on Thursday, August 4, 2011. Stunt planes took to the skies of Seattle for the annual Seafair air show over Lake Washington.

John Klatt in the Air National Guard Extra 300L, bottom right, and Bill Kerns in the Air Guard Staudacher, top right, fly over a ship in Seattle's Elliott Bay on Thursday, August 4, 2011. Stunt planes took to

A protester cuts up a bank card during the Occupy Seattle protest in front of Chase Bank on 4th Avenue on Saturday, October 15, 2011 in Seattle. About 5,000 people joined protesters that had been camped at Westlake Park for two weeks. The day was dubbed as a global day of action by the movement.

A protester cuts up a bank card during the Occupy Seattle protest in front of Chase Bank on 4th Avenue on Saturday, October 15, 2011 in Seattle. About 5,000 people joined protesters that had been camped at

Cut up credit and debit cards are piled in front of the Chase Bank on 4th Avenue on Saturday, October 15, 2011 in Seattle. About 5,000 people joined Occupy Seattle protesters that had been camped at Westlake Park for two weeks. The day was dubbed as a global day of action by the movement.

Cut up credit and debit cards are piled in front of the Chase Bank on 4th Avenue on Saturday, October 15, 2011 in Seattle. About 5,000 people joined Occupy Seattle protesters that had been camped at Westlake

President Barack Obama exits Air Force One at Boeing Field in Seattle during a brief visit to the Seattle-area to raise money for his reelection campaign on Sunday, September 25, 2011. During the visit the President did attend any event open to the general public.

President Barack Obama exits Air Force One at Boeing Field in Seattle during a brief visit to the Seattle-area to raise money for his reelection campaign on Sunday, September 25, 2011. During the visit the

Major Margaret Witt, who was dismissed from the Air Force under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, is greeted by her mother Gloria and her father Frank after announcing her settlement with the Air Force on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at the ACLU of Washington office in Seattle. Witt, a decorated flight nurse, will retire with full benefits and an unlawful discharge will be removed from her record. In 2011 the policy banning homosexuals from the military officially ended.

Major Margaret Witt, who was dismissed from the Air Force under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, is greeted by her mother Gloria and her father Frank after announcing her settlement with the Air Force on

From left, Andy Leang, Chanhtida Pandpradith and Stephanie Ohlenkamp relax after tree climbing during the summer solstice at Volunteer Park in Seattle on Tuesday, June 21, 2011.

From left, Andy Leang, Chanhtida Pandpradith and Stephanie Ohlenkamp relax after tree climbing during the summer solstice at Volunteer Park in Seattle on Tuesday, June 21, 2011.

Photo: JOE DYER

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Thousands of protesters gather on Friday, April 8, 2011 on the State Capitol Campus in Olympia. A crowd estimated by the Washington State Patrol at around 7,000 people gathered on the steps of the Capitol to protest for an end to corporate tax breaks and cuts to public programs.

Thousands of protesters gather on Friday, April 8, 2011 on the State Capitol Campus in Olympia. A crowd estimated by the Washington State Patrol at around 7,000 people gathered on the steps of the Capitol to

Troops from the 62nd Medical Brigade and the 17th Fires Brigade exit an aircraft at Joint Base Lewis McChord on Tuesday, December 6, 2011. The return of the170 Army troops from Iraq was the last large homecoming of troops as the U.S. war in Iraq reaches its end and operations in Iraq are drawn down.

Waves crash against the State Route 520 Bridge as the sun sets over Lake Washington in Seattle during a windstorm on Thursday, March 10, 2011. Winds gusting to 50 mph slowed traffic to a crawl during the evening commute and waves dumped water on cars stuck on the bridge. The aging structure closes when gusts reach 50 mph for a 15 minute period, a criteria not met on this day.

Waves crash against the State Route 520 Bridge as the sun sets over Lake Washington in Seattle during a windstorm on Thursday, March 10, 2011. Winds gusting to 50 mph slowed traffic to a crawl during the

Former Seattle Pacific University gymnast Heather Garcia, 23, practices her skills on a log at Seattle's Golden Gardens Park as temperatures climb into the 70s on Sunday, June 5, 2011. The warm temperatures helped crowd local beaches and parks with sunbathers and barbecuers, hoping for an escape from an especially wet and cold Pacific Northwest spring.

Former Seattle Pacific University gymnast Heather Garcia, 23, practices her skills on a log at Seattle's Golden Gardens Park as temperatures climb into the 70s on Sunday, June 5, 2011. The warm temperatures

Workers assemble the fuselage of a Boeing 787 at the Boeing plant in Everett on Sunday, September 25, 2011. In 2011 Boeing delivered the first of the high-tech, composite aircraft to launch customer All Nippon Airways.

Workers assemble the fuselage of a Boeing 787 at the Boeing plant in Everett on Sunday, September 25, 2011. In 2011 Boeing delivered the first of the high-tech, composite aircraft to launch customer All Nippon

From left, Patti Kerrigan, Janeil Post, Diane Sifres, Judy Skaggs and Maggie Hulse of the White Center Fraternal Order of Eagles wait for their turn to march during the regional Auburn Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 5, 2011 in downtown Auburn. The parade, billed as the largest Veterans Day parade west of the Mississippi, has been held in the King County town for 46 years.

From left, Patti Kerrigan, Janeil Post, Diane Sifres, Judy Skaggs and Maggie Hulse of the White Center Fraternal Order of Eagles wait for their turn to march during the regional Auburn Veterans Day Parade on

Students chant in front of City Hall during a walkout by hundreds of Garfield High School students on Wednesday, November 30, 2011. Students at the rally said about one third of the student body walked out to protest proposed education cuts that were considered during a special legislative session in Olympia.

Students chant in front of City Hall during a walkout by hundreds of Garfield High School students on Wednesday, November 30, 2011. Students at the rally said about one third of the student body walked out to

Hundreds of people waged a crimson war with over 300,000 pounds of overripe tomatoes at the Seattle Tomato Battle on Saturday, September 23, 2011, at the Pyramid Brewery in Seattle. The event was complete with a beer garden, battle of the bands competition and a host of sponsors.

Hundreds of people waged a crimson war with over 300,000 pounds of overripe tomatoes at the Seattle Tomato Battle on Saturday, September 23, 2011, at the Pyramid Brewery in Seattle. The event was complete with

Maria Chapmand and Karel Cruz practice their performance of "After the Rain Pas De Deux" during a rehearsal for Pacific Northwest Ballet's season opener on Thursday, September 22, 2011at McCaw Hall in Seattle.

Maria Chapmand and Karel Cruz practice their performance of "After the Rain Pas De Deux" during a rehearsal for Pacific Northwest Ballet's season opener on Thursday, September 22, 2011at McCaw Hall in Seattle.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO

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Mourners gather during a memorial for Tanaya Gilbert, a 19 year-old pregnant woman shot and killed in South Seattle. A memorial was held for the woman on Thursday, July 14, 2011 on 54th Avenue South, site of the shooting. As the memorial was ending shots rang out again as people fired on a car about a block away.

Mourners gather during a memorial for Tanaya Gilbert, a 19 year-old pregnant woman shot and killed in South Seattle. A memorial was held for the woman on Thursday, July 14, 2011 on 54th Avenue South, site of

Aufu Snow, center, wears a T-shirt memorializing his friend Tanaya Gilbert on July 14, 2011 during a memorial for the 19 year-old pregnant woman who was shot and killed. As the memorial was winding down shots rang out again about a block away. Snow was said to be a victim in that shooting. He later was involved in another gang-related shooting on a Metro bus and was arrested.

Aufu Snow, center, wears a T-shirt memorializing his friend Tanaya Gilbert on July 14, 2011 during a memorial for the 19 year-old pregnant woman who was shot and killed. As the memorial was winding down shots

iFly Seattle indoor skydiving instructors train for the public opening of the indoor skydiving facility on Friday, August 12, 2011 in Tukwila. Flyers enter a wind tunnel powered by four massive fans in the ceiling. The wind provides lift to flyers in the tunnel. The instructors were brushing up on their skills before the grand opening of the indoor skydiving facility.

iFly Seattle indoor skydiving instructors train for the public opening of the indoor skydiving facility on Friday, August 12, 2011 in Tukwila. Flyers enter a wind tunnel powered by four massive fans in the

From front, Tim Terrill, Sean Baldeschwiler and Cory Thompson end up in the water as the Seattle Maritime Academy's entry tips in the Quick and Dirty Boat Building Competition during the Seattle Maritime Festival on Saturday, May 14, 2011 on the Seattle waterfront. Contestants had to build a boat for under $100 and paddle the boats against other contestants. The annual event featured the boat competition and the popular tugboat races. The event is organized by the Seattle Propeller club and the Port of Seattle and showcases Seattle's maritime industry.

From front, Tim Terrill, Sean Baldeschwiler and Cory Thompson end up in the water as the Seattle Maritime Academy's entry tips in the Quick and Dirty Boat Building Competition during the Seattle Maritime